The Honey Factory

[karenerwin]

I think you should set up a video camera before you attempt your next naked hive entry. Just so we can all enjoy chuckle laugh snicker learn be entertained be reminded to not forget to wear our suits when inspecting hives.

Maybe you could get a custom designed cap that says “I fear no Bee”. I think that would keep the girls from bothering you... BTW don’t forget to film how well the cap works..

I don’t plan on going into the hive without gear on at least not while they have honey. Plus it was starting to get dark and I’ve been told they are crankier then. I guess the person that told me that, knew what she was talking about!

 

[R2elk]

Yes, those are the same Swiffer sweeper pads that I used. One hive is a bit more shaded than the other but I placed the hives so the get dappled sunlight and full sunlight. But I’m thinking of slowly moving the smaller hive to where it will get sunlight a little earlier in the day.

To me, early sunshine is more important than late sunshine is. It gets the bees out and going earlier in the day.

 

[karenerwin]

To me, early sunshine is more important than late sunshine is. It gets the bees out and going earlier in the day.

I will re-look at my hive placement with that in mind!

 

[jerryse]

So took another look at the July hive . I think I may have a old or failing queen . Surprised they did not replace her . Numbers are just not there and not much brood . The old saying of bees that swarm in July aint worth a fly .
Anyone using a hand crank extractor ? Tell me your experience . Not much need this year but just thinking ahead .

 

[R2elk]

So took another look at the July hive . I think I may have a old or failing queen . Surprised they did not replace her . Numbers are just not there and not much brood . The old saying of bees that swarm in July aint worth a fly .
Anyone using a hand crank extractor ? Tell me your experience . Not much need this year but just thinking ahead .

Yes. Lots and lots of cranking can really make you wish yours was motorized.

This is the type I have been using for close to 30 years.

https://www.mannlakeltd.com/deluxe-6-3-frame-hand-crank

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

I use and have always used a 2 frame hand crank extractor. Just right for me, as a hobby beekeeper.

 

[jerryse]

Friday I added 2 frames with some capped brood to my weak hive . Hoping to boost numbers before winter . Not sure if it was wise but giving it a try .

 

[duluthralphie]

I opened the hives today and inspected every single frame.

To say I was disappointed, would be an understatement.

The first hive might have 3-4 frames of capped honey and maybe one frame of uncapped. Nothing in the supers, everything is in the main two boxes.

There are lots of bees! These are not my Friendly luvable gals from May. These bees are mean. They do not like me much. My suit received a ton of stings today.

The most surprising thing is the amount of brood. I think both hives have 7-8 frames 80% filled with brood on both sides.

Don’t they realize we are a week away from freezing temps?

The second hive does not even have one frame full of honey.

The second hive has more angry bees than the first. There are eggs in both, along with larva and capped brood. The one hive even had capped drones.

Jerry, drive up for the day and I will give you give you a ton of brood. Just bring me honey and replacement frames.

There is no way my bees can survive the winter on the little honey they have.

 

[R2elk]

I opened the hives today and inspected every single frame.

To say I was disappointed, would be an understatement.

The first hive might have 3-4 frames of capped honey and maybe one frame of uncapped. Nothing in the supers, everything is in the main two boxes.

There are lots of bees! These are not my Friendly luvable gals from May. These bees are mean. They do not like me much. My suit received a ton of stings today.

The most surprising thing is the amount of brood. I think both hives have 7-8 frames 80% filled with brood on both sides.

Don’t they realize we are a week away from freezing temps?

The second hive does not even have one frame full of honey.

The second hive has more angry bees than the first. There are eggs in both, along with larva and capped brood. The one hive even had capped drones.

Jerry, drive up for the day and I will give you give you a ton of brood. Just bring me honey and replacement frames.

There is no way my bees can survive the winter on the little honey they have.

Better get busy feeding them.

 

[duluthralphie]

Better get busy feeding them.

Feed them for a 20% chance they live the winter or steal their honey and save it for a new bunch in the spring.... hmmmm


Leaning towards new ones in the spring...

But I have to wonder what did they do with all the nectar they gathered this summer?

Photos coming.